...The Selection...
After their big win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, OKC had ten days off of schedule games before heading to Sacramento. For the last six days, Johan has been staying in the gym early and leaving late, trying to perfect his shot. He knew it was there, but never consistent and teams around the league were starting to pick up and adjust to his game. He needed to be more versatile, more of a threat.
“Damn dude, do you ever go home?” Johan looks at the entryway, noticing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander making his way over before he took his next shot. “We got plenty of refreshments and a shower, this is my home man.” “Ooh, say that loud and clearer for the people in the back! I like that bro!” “You already know.” Johan takes another shot from deep, making it, but not satisfied with the shot it-self. “I see you working on that jumper. How’s it coming?” “Still trying man. Just not digging it. Those games with the Clippers showed me how one dimensional I really am. I went 4 for 13 in two games. Out of 62 shots, 30 of them were from inside.” “Hey, it’s the points that matters. You’ve been trying to do it all since you got to the NBA. You gotta relax man.” “Relax is a word I’m not too fond of brother. It’s been work all my life.” “Nah, nah, I don’t mean it like that. Just, let the game come to you. You’ve been triple-doubling like you was Westbrook out here. What you got to prove?” “A lot.” Johan takes another shot and misses.
“To who exactly?” Just as Johan was going to take his shot, he hesitated. Thinking on that answer gave him flashbacks to the game in Atlanta, meeting his son for the first time. “... It’s complicated.” “I hear you Johan, but don’t let it complicate what you got already. That shot you’re looking for, it’ll come to you when it’s ready. You got to allow yourself to be ready for it as well. If not, then you’re going to break your wrist trying to make something from nothing.”
Shai goes through his bag and pulls out his phone, bringing up a shot chart of the team, particularly Johan’s. “Look at this. 42% from three on the right baseline, 37% from the left. Your lowest percentage anywhere on the floor is just inside the left baseline at 30%. 30% man.” “So, what you’re saying is I should be working on my shot from there.” “No, I’m saying you got more hotspots than Boost Mobile. You’re just trying too hard.” Johan let those statistics sink in his head, giving second thought to maybe he is overworking him-self.
“Now look at this Johan, you’re going to love this”. Johan takes a look at what Shai is displaying on his feet in arm’s reach. “What’s that? Some sort of list?” “Nah my man, not just any list. This here is your golden ticket.” “Golden ticket?” Johan asked inquisitively. “This is the All-Star team selection.” “And?” “And? Boy, if you don’t look closer!” Johan stops shooting and takes the phone, reading through the list of names. “That’s my name. I’m on the list.” “Yup!” “I’m on Team James.” “Yo, this is crazy.” “Not crazy at all man. You've been busting your butt, you’ve earned this.” Johan couldn’t believe that he was selected for the 2021 NBA All-Star roster.
“Congratulation bro, you not only came into the league and took over by storm, you etched your name in history. All you have to do is be there.” “All-Star Weekend is three games away.” “And you know what that means Johan.” “We got more work to do.” “Well, I was thinking more on the lines of keeping you healthy or you’ll get snubbed, so a bit of load management would help you.” “Who am I? Kawhi? No thank you. If you want to take my minutes, you’re gonna have to play me for it.” Shai put away his phone and bag and made his way to the key area. “Say no more man. Game of 15. Check rock...”
